Q: I would like to know whether a third country, not included in the ICPC list, can receive funding from the EC in a FP7 research project. I know that, according to FP7 Rules for Participation, in each Work Programme, there may be specific topics addressing specific third countries, but it is not clear if in this case they will receive an EC contribution for their activity in the project.

A: In the case of a participating international organisation, other than an international European interest organisation, or a legal entity established in a third country other than an associated country or international cooperation partner country, a Community financial contribution may be granted provided that at least one of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) provision is made to that effect in the specific programmes or in the relevant work programme;
(b) the contribution is essential for carrying out the indirect action;
(c) such funding is provided for in a bilateral scientific and technological agreement or any other arrangement between the Community and the country in which the legal entity is established.
In the light of the above, participation of third countries (other than ICPC) in FP7 projects is possible but EC funding is provided only if provisions foreseeing such funding are included in the work programme/call for proposal. When there is no such provision in the call/work programme, funding may be granted only if it is essential for carrying out the indirect action. For instance: participation of the organisation in the project is essential due to the unique experience in the field covered by the project (and lack of such experience among other partners).